&sq=Facebook&lang=en&file=File:A_and_J_Inglis_No_26_Erl_King_(1865).jpg) The SS Erl King
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |
| Name | SS Erl King |
| Namesake | Erl King |
| Owner | Robertson & Co London |
| Builder | A. & J. Inglis, Pointhouse, Glasgow, Scotland |
| Yard number | 26 |
| Launched | 7 September 1865 |
| Completed | October 1865 |
| Fate | 15 December 1891 - Wrecked Long Reef, Key West, Florida |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Iron auxiliary steamship |
| Tonnage | 1671 grt |
| Tons burthen | 1400 bm |
| Length | 305.6 feet |
| Beam | 34.1 feet |
| Depth of hold | 28.3 feet |
| Installed power | 250hp |
| Propulsion | Auxiliary steam, lifting screw |
| Sail plan | Barque |
| Speed | 12.24 knots (trials speed)[1] |
| Capacity |
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The SS Erl King was built at A and J Inglis, Pointhouse, Glasgow and launched in 1865 and owned by Robertson & Co London. She was designed as an Auxiliary Steam Ship - steam power would be used to supplement the propulsion from the sails, when there was no wind or if there was a light head wind. She was fitted with a propeller that could be lifted up when sailing, so as to reduce drag.[2] The engine was not powerful enough to push the ship, with all the windage of standing rigging, directly into a strong headwind.[3] Auxiliary steam power had the advantage of allowing this vessel to use the Suez Canal when it opened in 1869 - something which was not possible for sailing vessels.[4]
- ^ "Trial Trip", 21 October 1865, Glasgow Herald pg 4, column 6
- ^ "Launch", 8 September 1865, Glasgow Herald pg 4, column 7
- ^ Clark, Arthur H. (1911). The Clipper Ship Era 1843-1869. New York: G.P. Putnam Sons.
- ^ MacGregor, David R. (1983). The Tea Clippers, Their History and Development 1833-1875. Conway Maritime Press Limited. ISBN 0 85177 256 0.